Cannot get rear FX3 shock out of frame
I cannot get the rear FX3 shock out of the upper mount. Both upper bolts are off the plate, and the shock is hanging. According to the FSM, the shock should now just drop out of the hole in the frame. However, something is stopping it from doing so, almost like the rubber bushing is too large for the hole. I've tried prying down on the mounting plate, but the top of the shock will simply not pull through the hole.
What am I missing? Is there some secret trick? Also, once the shock is out, is the FX3 connector easy to get at? The FSM says not to let it fall inside the frame. How do you keep it from doing that once the new shock is in. (I'm not replacing with FX3.) Here are photos of the top of the chock and diagrams from the FSM. http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...s/IMG_2980.jpg http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...s/IMG_2983.jpg http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...s/IMG_2982.jpg |
Could be that the upper rubber bushing has compressed to the point that it's a wider diameter than the hole.
Have you tried using a big pry bar between the frame rail and the mounting plate?? Maybe one that is 2-3' long? If it's just the upper bushing, it should come out with some "persuading". New shocks will have new bushings so if the old one gets ripped or scraped, no biggie. The harness is long enough to pull out of the hole to reach the connector. Try using a zip tie on the harness and attach it to the threaded end of the shock rod after you attach the mounting plate to the new shock. The wire harness can fall down to the frame kickup and is a real PITA to fish out if you or a subsequent owner decides to go back to the FX3 shocks. |
Look at how tight your SS brakeline is. You either need to unbolt the caliper to get more slack, or just unbolt the bottom of the shock from the knuckle and it will drop right out. The bushing is not bigger than the hole. The only thing holding the FX3 actuator on is a C-clip. :thumbs:
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pry on it with a dull screwdriver, it's only a shock, FX3 has nothing to do with why it 'feels" stuck.
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Originally Posted by c4cruiser
(Post 1576521891)
Could be that the upper rubber bushing has compressed to the point that it's a wider diameter than the hole.
That's what I was thinking as well.Have you tried using a big pry bar between the frame rail and the mounting plate?? Yes, but it didn't seem to want to come, so I thought it wise to ask the CF gurus before I broke something.:smash: The harness is long enough to pull out of the hole to reach the connector. Try using a zip tie on the harness and attach it to the threaded end of the shock rod after you attach the mounting plate to the new shock.
Originally Posted by Kubs
(Post 1576522302)
Look at how tight your SS brakeline is. Actually it's fine. The hub is at the bottom end of suspension travel in this photo. ... just unbolt the bottom of the shock from the knuckle and it will drop right out. The bushing is not bigger than the hole. Maybe when new, but they are orignal, so must have deformed to the point where they are now wider than the hole. :thumbs:
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Originally Posted by Kubs
(Post 1576522302)
just unbolt the bottom of the shock from the knuckle and it will drop right out. The bushing is not bigger than the hole. The only thing holding the FX3 actuator on is a C-clip. :thumbs:
Raise the suspension up about 3" and remove the lower shock nut and slide the shock off the mounting knuckle. The upper part will then simply drop out of the frame. |
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
(Post 1576526049)
:iagree: If you haven't removed the bottom of the shock from the knuckle, the shock would have to be compressed to get the upper part out of the frame rail. Even with the rear suspension hanging and the bottom of the shock still installed, there is still more travel left. The FX3 shock is gas-filled and it will extend further.
Raise the suspension up about 3" and remove the lower shock nut and slide the shock off the mounting knuckle. The upper part will then simply drop out of the frame. |
[QUOTE=c4cruiser;1576526049Raise the suspension up about 3" and remove the lower shock nut and slide the shock off the mounting knuckle. The upper part will then simply drop out of the frame.[/QUOTE]
The shock is off the lower stud already. It's just that for some reason the upper rubber bushing is now of a diameter somewhat larger than the hole in the frame. I'll just have to figure out a way to pry it out. |
Originally Posted by 92ragtop
(Post 1576534571)
The shock is off the lower stud already. It's just that for some reason the upper rubber bushing is now of a diameter somewhat larger than the hole in the frame. I'll just have to figure out a way to pry it out.
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Originally Posted by socalman
(Post 1576535383)
So the bottom is hanging free?
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Originally Posted by 92ragtop
(Post 1576538179)
Yup, just like a cheap hooker.
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Originally Posted by socalman
(Post 1576539978)
then you got a swollen rubber :lol:
p.s. Most guys would never admit that their rubber was too big. |
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